Investigations Most WA nurses report getting breaks — advocates are skeptical A new law aims to ease strain on health care staff by requiring hospital break-tracking. Some workers say the reported compliance rate seems too high. by Lizz Giordano / December 24, 2024
Environment Support for this article is provided by Pacific Science Center. Nick on the Rocks: How were the Potholes Coulee canyons created? North of Washington’s Gorge Amphitheatre are two massive lake-filled canyons, and geologists have chased clues about their origins for centuries. by Adam Brown / December 20, 2024
Investigations Impact 2024: A year investigating labor safety, housing insecurity Cascade PBS’s reporting drew Congressional attention, informed new policy discussions and sparked the resignation of one Seattle director. by Jacob Jones / December 19, 2024
News 2024: Photos of the year Yakima Valley hop farms, Ukrainian refugees and fishermen stranded on ships — Cascade PBS’s photo editor reflects on the year through images. by Genna Martin & Cascade PBS Visuals Staff / December 18, 2024
News The Newsfeed: WA court weighs new standards for public defenders Caseload caps are being reevaluated as public defenders argue they don’t have enough time to adequately represent clients. by Jaelynn Grisso / December 13, 2024
Environment Dueling lawsuits fuel debate over WA natural gas initiative Voters passed Initiative 2066 in November, but opponents, including King County and the city of Seattle, allege it violates the state constitution. by John Stang / December 13, 2024
Environment Support for this article is provided by Pacific Science Center. Nick on the Rocks: Volcanic mud blooms tulips in the Skagit Flats The famous flower fields are connected to mudflows that spilled from Washington’s Glacier Peak less than 15,000 years ago. Could it erupt again? by Adam Brown / December 13, 2024
Investigations Migrant brush pickers face risks, few protections in WA woods A 2022 work van crash and subsequent $1.8M in court-ordered back wages and damages cast a spotlight on the decorative forest products industry. by Farah Eltohamy / December 12, 2024
Environment Bird flu is spreading at PNW farms — among animals and workers Washington and Oregon are two of six states where humans have tested positive for avian flu, but researchers suspect there are more unreported cases. by Rachel Spacek InvestigateWest / December 11, 2024
Investigations Thurston County must repay up to $668K in fraudulent rental aid The Western WA county is the first in the nation to face a U.S. Treasury demand to return COVID-19 rent program funds due to fraud. by Brandon Block / December 9, 2024